Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has urged Liberian youths to be more innovative and prepared for leadership roles for the future.
President Sirleaf said young people play a critical part in the national discourse, therefore, their capacities should be enhanced to enable them deliver when given the opportunity to serve in leadership roles.
The President made the call when the leadership of the Coalition of Youth and Students against Poverty and Discrimination (CYSPD) paid her a courtesy visit at her farm in Bomi County, last Thursday to honor her for sustaining the peace under her regime.
Madam Sirleaf, who was very receptive of the group, lauded them for the good objectives and following her developmental track records over years.
“You are the future of this country and need to be empowered to deliver. Youth should be innovative; I encourage you to do more and the sky will be the limit,” she admonished them.
She noted that national development was a collective effort and that government was grateful for its contributions, especially offering the youth the opportunity to develop their capabilities.
Earlier in remarks, Ishmael Koffeh, executive director of CYSPD, used the occasion to officially inform President Sirleaf about an academic challenge and cleaning up campaign they are trying to embark on and will be named in her honor. He also outlined the group’s development plans for the country, subsequently.
Speaking to his newspaper on the side, he stated that she admonished them to be strong and remain focused.
According to him, President Sirleaf saw the award as another motivation and that indeed people were watching her.
Koffeh urged Madam Sirleaf to remain focused and not be deterred, but rather should continue on the good work she is doing for Liberians, before her tenure expires in January, 2018.
“The Madam also proved to us that she is a very tolerant leader, and we bless God for having such a leader.
“More to that, we finally concluded as a group to organize a year academic challenge program in her honor. Part of that discussion we talk about a massive cleaning up campaign in the next 60-day period and it will be held in her honor because she still has 60 more days in office,” said Koffeh.
The CYSPD executive director pledged his organization’s commitment to the “fruitful partnership” with President Sirleaf’s administration, especially in the quest to encourage youth volunteerism.